Below Deck Med’s João Franco Announces Significant Career Advancement

since i left Below deck Mediterranean, former boatswain João Franco has continued his studies and has worked on the construction of a 140ft (43m) superyacht which he will soon become captain, having just obtained his captain’s license. João made his first appearance as the lead deckhand Below Deck Med Season 3. Captain Sandy Yawn took note of his dedicated work ethic, so was happy to welcome João back as her boatswain for Season 4. Disagreements with Chief Stew, Hannah Ferrier, resulted in Season 4 being his last.

After the end of his time on board Below Deck Med, João Franco has made great strides in his yachting career. “6 years sailing, 4 years captaining smaller ships. Now it’s time to raise the bar‘ João announced shortly after posting his latest achievement, earning a captain’s license. This is one of the highest levels attainable and allows João to command ships with six or more paying guests plus crew.

“All-rounder, but OFFICIALLY a MASTER! Great exam and an even better result!João said while sharing photos of a new yacht he will soon be captain, explaining to one commenter: “it will be ready in July.”

João’s performance could lead to a potential return below decks

since i left Below Deck Med, João has also helped build his future superyacht. Joao writes: “Being a part of every process of building a 140ft (43m) superyacht before she becomes captain is an added value in many ways!” While he seems content to climb the off-air ladder, many commentators have speculated about what comes next, including a possible return to the Under deck Franchise. “Next #lower deck captain?” wrote one viewer, while another similarly commented, “I hope you have a return as a Captain on Below Deck!” More comments like this are coming in quickly, although João hasn’t acted on the idea at this point.

The beloved could also be seen in João’s seasons Below Deck Med Deckhand Colin Macy-O’Toole, with whom João formed a close bond that continues to this day. Towards the end of filming for Below Deck Med In Season 4, João told Colin that he would work with him again anytime, on any ship. Should there be an opportunity for João to return to the world of Under deck To have Captain Colin on board as his boatswain, or even just one of his deckhands, would be a full circle moment for this nautical franchise and its longtime viewers, as well as for Colin and João. With João’s new license, that concept isn’t out of the question.

Personality wise, João struggled throughout seasons 3 and 4, often feuding with Chief Stew Hannah Ferrier while disapproving of stewardess Aesha’s carefree attitude towards life and sexuality. While João has had an antagonistic relationship with women, which may have caused his career to go off the rails, it’s highly likely that he’s evolved and learned from his mistakes since many years have passed. Given the chance to return, João could showcase his latest professional achievements as well as hopefully his deepened personal growth. While Below deck Mediterranean Captain Sandy already has, the franchise is constantly expanding, so maybe one day João will have the opportunity to return soon.